Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-03-19
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
A Visit at That Remarkable In
stitution.

It was the pleasure of the editor of the
World, in company with Judge Osborn
to visit the state Reform School last Sab
bath. We were driven to the institution
In the forenoon by man whom the su.
perintendent had sent after us In re.
Spouse to our indication the evening be-
fore by telephone that the visit would
be pleasant. The Reform School is about
two miles northwest of North Topeka.
Dr. J. T. Buck, the superintendent OF
the Reform School, and his wife, who is
the matron of the institution, made their
visitors feel at home, and this is putting
the case mildly. AS is known to many of
our citizens, Dr. Buck owns a ranch of
over two thousand acres in the valley OF
Big creek, about two miles south OF Wa
Keeney. Many were the enquiries and
other evidences of the most sollcltous
welfare from him and Mrs. Buck con-
corning 'their children as they fondly
term Mr.. Pagan, who has charge of the
ranch, and Mrs. Pagan, nee Miss Buck.
Mr.. Pagan, who is so highly regarded as
a neighbor by those of our people who
are so fortunate as to possess his &C.
quaintance, used to be teacher in the
Reform School, and it was there that he
wooed and won the daughter and only
child of DR.. and Mrs. Buck.
Besides the officers and teachers of the
Reform School, there are in the institu-
ton one hundred and eight children-all
boys. The discipline approaches per-
lection. The uniform of the boys con-
sists of grey-colored blouses and pants
and blue caps, the latter OF the military
pattern The boys are expected to at
days of the week, and work on the farm
the other half of each of these days. On
Saturdays outdoor work, we believe, con-
stitutes the principal feature of employ
ment.
The school land comprises one hun
dred and sixty acres Soldier creek, with
a considerable volume of water, flows
through this tract of land. Its banks are
literally lined with timber. In fact, the
bulk of this land was covered with tim
Der until the necessities of agriculture
caused it to be cleared off. OF course,
the land is rich. Its capacity for corn
production is big hundred bushels per
acre. Horticulture, gardening and for
estry all receive attention. A hotbed,
from which at dinner on Sunday we ate
fresh radishes, is one of the luxuries.
Up to this time only one building has
been occupied by the Reform School
This is large brick structure, with three
stories and basement, all of whose many
rooms are finished with scrupulous neat
ness. The finishing touches are now being
put Oh the inside of two other buildings
of brick, which are of the same height,
depth and general construction az the
one already mentioned, but which are in
dividually somewhat smaller. One of
these new buildings stands a few rods
east and the other a few rods west Of the
older building. Both will be occupied
in short time. Opening to the south
from these buildings is yard of ample
size, which is fast being converted into a
beautiful lawn.
To the north of the residence building
is the chapel, which is approaching COM
pletion. 1t is a fine brick building.
Then to the north of this is the engine
room. The main building is heated with
steam and lighted with gas.
DR.. Buck took his visitors to many
points of interest in the locality of the
Reform School. His kindness was not
only appreciated, but will form lasting
impression upon their memory.
It is fortunate for the boys of the class
for which this Reform School is intended
that such home awaits them, instead of
the gloomy walls of Jail or penitentiary.
The kindnsss with which they are treated
impresses many of them, at least, that
in DIR. and Mrs. Buck they have found
father and mother The manifestation
of this feeling finds vent from many of the
boys who have been discharged from the
institution maintaining with them reg
ular correspondence.
Monday forenoon, after having looked
further over the grounds at the Reform
School, DR.. Buck drove his visitors to
the Cecil nursery, some two miles east of
the institution, and thence back to To-
peka. At this nursery Judge Osborn and
the writer purchased some trees for trans
planting in Wa-Keeney.
Him Sfnn af thu Hnene1